A gunman was shot by police after he started shooting from a scaffold outside a cathedral in Manhattan, New York City on Sunday.

Police critically injured the man during the shooting that occurred at about 3:45 pm outside the house of worship at the corner of West 112th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, which is within the walking distance from Columbia University.

Local media reported that the gunman was detained by police and brought to a local hospital in critical condition.

The streets surrounding the church have been closed for an ongoing investigation.

According to the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine's online calendar, there was a "Carols for the Community" choir concert happening at the time of the shooting.

No other injuries were reported.